This concert will showcase a range of jazz bands which reflect the diversity of musical expertise that characterizes the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University music department.

The 18-piece NMMU Big Band, directed by Jazz Studies lecturer John Edwards, is in its eighth year of existence. The 2017 incarnation of the band will perform a varied repertoire – including The Woodchopper’s Ball a swing classic by Woody Herman, Liebertango by Astor Piazzola, Equinox by John Coltrane, Mercy Mercy, Mercy – a funky favourite by Joe Zawinul – and The Wedding by Abdullah Ibrahim.

A quartet featuring Edwards on piano, Dr Rudi Bower (classical guitar), Tiago Vital (bass) and Timon Oosthuizen (drums) will perform an excerpt from Claude Bolling’s Concerto for Classic Guitar and Jazz Piano. A student band featuring several vocalists will also perform and repertoire will include the Nat King Cole ‘old school’ standard, Let there be Love.

Entrance is free and enquiries can be directed to Nicky Bosman (041 504 4235).